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[…] few hours. I need to try a few of these other shops like 6PM. Never shopped them […]
Fashion•Shopping•Shopping Deals•Shopping Guide
Best Online Shopping Sites and Why They Are my Favorite
June 1, 2016Do you remember the days when you would just go to the mall as an outing and a way to spend time? Oh those days. Just browsing and shopping with no care in the world. No deadlines or other things that you should be doing. It is pretty rare that I actually step foot in the stores anymore. The parking, the people, the general over stimulation and the fact I seem to always get better deals online. I used to never shop online because I’m a dress for my body type kind of gal. I always needed to try things on and make sure it complimented my frame. Well now, with my complete lack of time, free shipping and amazing customer service, my shopping habits have completely changed. I wanted to share with you the best online shopping sites and why they are my favorite. This is not a sponsored post, it does contain affiliate links (if you buy something through the link, I get like a dollar but hey that pays for coffee right?) but I really wanted to let you know the reasons behind my favs.
The Best Online Shopping Sites and Why They Are My Favorite
Amazon
I pretty much think Amazon is taking over the world. I don’t even buy my toothpaste anymore from local stores, just get it shipped from Amazon. The rare times I actually am shopping in the outside world, I will pull up that product on Amazon to see if I can find it cheaper through the site. I also just installed the Prime Now app and I can get products same day. A huge Amazon warehouse was just built no lie 45 mins away from where I live, I pretty much get my same day products within the hour. I have had no problems with the customer service, I usually just online chat with them and anything I need has been resolved. The few times I’ve had to call, minimal wait times and I had no problem understanding who was on the other end. Plus, my sister and I split the Prime account, hello free shipping and returns. I would just caution you to always check who you are buying from. Sometimes they are 3rd party vendors who have different return policies than Amazon. I always just try to buy products that are fulfilled through Amazon and have no issues. My latest Amazon buys? These sunglasses (hello perfect Dior dupe), my iPhone case, the best protein bars, this beach hat from this post and this nail quick dry top coat. I actually wrote a post about why I love Amazon so much, definitely check it here.
SHOPBOP
I love Shopbop for so many reasons but one of them being that it is linked through Amazon, so you can use your Prime benefits with it. I like that you can see the product on a live model that moves so you can see how the piece you are interested in flows and looks in “real life“. For example, I wanted to see how this dress moved on and with the live view I was able to see that. They also carry a wide range of brands and products. I also just discovered their “sister” site for men and picked up a pair of Cole Haan shoes for Mark on sale. The other reason why I tend to gravitate towards Shopbop is their customer service. I have never had to wait on long holds. Any problems I’ve ever had, they have credited me back something for my inconvenience and have had a new product out to me in no time. It really always comes down to customer service for me. Plus, I love all their sales. I rarely buy anything full price with them.
My one critique is the packaging is sometimes less than stellar. I’ve ordered some very high end ticket items and they are not packed or presented in any different manner. During the last sale, I ordered a Tumi suitcase and that was dumped on top of all the clothes at the bottom of the same box. I was not pleased. One call to customer service and they credited me back some of the purchase and gave me a small (like $25 gift card which is still something!) for the poor packing job. Last purchases from SHOPBOP, these insanely affordable pop of color earrings, these perfect distressed white skinnies, this Mara Hoffman dress on sale, and I’m really loving everything by Yumi Kim.
Zappos
I did a campaign with them over the holidays and I have just been loving Zappos ever since then. The one thing that really aggravates me about Zappos is that they rarely put things on sale, coupon codes do not exist and basically there is really no way to get things discounted. However, they completely make up for it in Customer service. I mean ABOVE AND BEYOND make up for it. Okay, I have been stalking these espadrilles. Like, it was unhealthy. The Chloe original ones are $650, that is just crazy town and even those are sold out everywhere. So Marc Fisher goes and makes no lie AN EXACT DUPE. I’ve held them side by side, even the stitching lines up. Well here is the problem, the Marc Fisher ones are sold out everywhere (I just found them again restocked here, HURRY!). Well, I put my name on the waitlist and Zappos emailed me when they were back in stock. I immediately added to my cart and no lie the size 9 had 3 left, I actually said to myself “well I guess I’m not the only crazy in town“.
So they arrived in lighting fast time because Zappos has little elves that live in the bushes outside of your house assembling the shoes because they were no lie delivered in 10 hours. I took them out and inspected them and there was a tiny (I mean tiny!) imperfection in the espadrille wedge. I called Zappos and no wait on hold, my friendly rep apologized and because they were not stocked in my size anymore, she immediately issued a $50 credit back. Then, she was digging around my account and found a $100 expired coupon that I forgot to use around the holidays. She reinstated that and then took that coupon off the price of the shoes that I already ordered. So basically, I got the shoes for free and I was on the phone for under 5 minutes. I offered to send her a picture of the damage to the wedge and she was all “no worries I am the same way about my shoes“. So they have the fastest shipping, the best customer service and any refunds are back to your card within a day or two. They seriously are becoming one of my favorite online retailers. Plus, they are linked to Amazon as well.
6pm
The 6pm website is my secret weapon for finding designer pieces on MAJOR discount. I always check on this site before making any online purchase. I mean, this Susana Monaco dress is still current on Shopbop and 6pm has it at 54% off in all sizes. I have the dress and love it. I will say though, it feels like sample sale shopping. I bought an Amanda Uprichard dress on deep discount, it came with no tags and was super wrinkled (like shoved in a bag and shipped). Well I steamed it and it was good as new. Plus, I saved $100 off the cost so I was okay with the minor inconvenience. The other word of caution, free shipping but not free returns. So just make sure of the purchase because the shipping back is a pain. I love checking Mara Hoffman, Joie, Rebecca Minkoff, and Schutz shoes just to name a few. They may have brands you wouldn’t even think they would carry, just search and see!
Nordstrom
We all are quite familiar with Nordstrom so I’ll be brief. Great return policies and good customer service. I like their online customer service chat options. They will price match any goods including Hunter boots to Costco, just send them the link. My only critiques, slow shipping, not linked to Amazon and during sales you will often get an email a week later saying they are out of stock of the item you ordered and you are SOL. Recent Nordstrom purchases this affordable beach coverup, these baublebar earrings and bracelet set, and these under $65 distressed skinnies.
Target
I used to really hate the Target online shopping experience but in the past year, they have really stepped it up. Plus, waaaaaaay less temptations with shopping online. I get the pieces I need and there isn’t that whole I went in for dish soap and came out $200 poorer with a new lamp, shoes, a dress and forgot the dish soap phenomena. So, for Memorial day they had 30% off the entire site just about. I picked up this charcoal face bar that Ally talked about. Then, I added these two beach bags here and here (wanted to see in person) and this tassel bag. They were sold out online but the option to pick up in store was available. Sounds good to me, I can use my online coupon code plus Ebates and then it was ready for pick up in less than an hour to my local store. It’s like having a personal shopper that collects it all for you. Plus, they don’t charge your card until you pick it up. So if you get there and hate it in person, doesn’t matter, you aren’t charged until the final pickup. Now, if I can avoid the dollar section I will be good :) I am also finding that my local Target isn’t carrying all the same great things as online, so online browsing it is! Last Target buys, these fringe sandals from this post, this striped beach hat, and seriously the entire Dolce Vita line.
My Least Favorite but I’ll use Them
ASOS & Forever 21 – Hello slow boat shipping. Sometimes I even forget I’ve ordered from them until the package arrives 2 weeks later. Trendy and affordable pieces but the majority of times just not worth it in the long run.
Ones I Steer Clear of
Any of the Foreign sites.
I have been contacted by SheInside about once a week but I just politely decline. I’m not going to promote a brand or retailer to you that I don’t believe in like that one or OASAP. I’ve heard some crazy stories about bogus charges and shipments that never arrive. No thank you. As you can very clearly see, I need good customer service. If I can’t call you and get this resolved quickly and with a new product to me quickly…..it’s not going to happen. Plus, all the knockoff versions of products just doesn’t sit right with me. Like this coverup. Which is a dupe of this coverup. What is the likelihood of longevity of it? As I’m getting older and with less closet space, I’m buying good quality products that will hold up over the test of time. Listen, you know I’m all about saving money and finding good quality similar items. I’d rather wait and get something on sale and support these smaller labels. If you like that one, the designer has a ton of them on sale on her site check them here.
[bctt tweet=”Talking about favorite online retailers and why. Great read for the shopping gurus! ” username=”meetatthebarre”]
So there you go! Some of my favorite online retailers. Did yours make the list? Have you heard of all of these? What are some of your favorite retailers and why?
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I totally agree with your faves… hello my name is Jesica and I’m an Amazon toothpaste orderer! But I love ASOS and they have their own version of prime shipping now which I love ($19 for free 2 day express shipping all year).
I mean between Amazon, Shopbop and Nordstrom it’s a mystery how I end up at the mall!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
These are all the best online shopping sites! Especially Amazon, I order basically everything from there!
So if I’m a prime member I’ll get free 2-day shipping with shopbop? (!!!!)
Great to hear your thoughts about the bad websites too… I’ve always wondered about SheInside and CupShe but only find bad things online. Amazon is where it’s at. And I “borrow” my mom’s Prime membership constantly, mwahaha. Although I never thought about buying things like toothpaste from there! Gotta step it up with my price comparisons like you!
xoxo
Danielle
Afloat On A Full Sea
I 100% agree with all of these! Shopbop is such an amazing site and they ship so quickly! And I had a terrible experience with OASAP so I totally feel you on that one!
http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com
Thank you so much for sharing! I love Zappos and got a GREAT deal on Cole Haan boots that I’ve had for 5 years. I wear a size 5 so finding shoes can be hard for me and Zappos is a good option for me. Target and Nordstrom are great too, and I love how fast Amazon ships. Oh and I’d be happy to buy you a cup of coffee some time haha. :-)
I love Nordstrom online, and of course Amazon and Target too. I haven’t gotten on the ShopBop train–most of the stuff I’ve seen is just too pricey for me, so I stick to my tried and true places with good sales like Loft and recently Old Navy.
I need to check out 6pm. I’ve not heard of that one before, so thanks!!
I never even bother to go to the mall any more unless I need something ASAP and it’s not on Amazon! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Nordstrom and Amazon are frequent members of my front doorstep ;) Nordstrom’s shipping and return policy can’t be beat…especially since I don’t have one close to us. Amazon is a lifesaver! I also didn’t realize until a few months ago that Nordstrom Rack has an online site too, HELLO DEALS!
I couldn’t agree more with all your favorite sites to shop! Amazon is a life saver, and I’m not sure how any of us ever lived without it really. Oh, Sheinside – I collaborated with them once because I didn’t know better, and I’ve since cut ties with that partnership. Not only are the clothes terrible quality, but the employees are not very friendly.
These are some of my online favorites too! Cute romper. I have had good experiences with Oasap both as a blogger and personal orders.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Yesss, it’s so crazy to me to even think that I used to go to the mall just to browse around– that never happens anymore, unless maybe my mom is visiting. I think Nordstrom is definitely my favorite for online shopping because their website and app is so easy to navigate!
I use Target and Amazon the most, but lately I have been wanting to build up my basics. I’ve never heard of 6 pm, and I’ve always wanted to order something from Zappos. That Amazon Prime shipping has me all sorts of spoiled. Oh, and the free returns! I literally have my money back the moment the UPS driver scans the package! I’ve never ordered from Shein or Osap… but that’s SUPER sketchy… no thanks!
I’m not a fan of online shopping but I do buy things online. I prefer to see things in person To be honest, sometimes I think that I prefer to shop in person since I work in a retail store and I see first hand how online shopping as affected the store. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing but it’s very disheartening to work with a client for over an hour and then they go thanks, I’m gonna go buy it online. Only to have them come back to return the item because now there is a problem with said item. It happens all the time. And of course, it is MY fault that there was a problem with their online order. When in fact, I had absolutely nothing to do with it. I also hate having to return things and I find most things I get online, I do have to return. Sometimes, I feel the quality of online items isn’t as good as the quality of the items in the store. That could just be in my head tho.
I don’t know if I have ever checked out 6PM but it sounds fabulous!!! I saw some people posting about SheInside before and I looked at the site but never pulled the trigger. I think I will steer clear now too! Amazon and Target are my go to’s for everything!!! I still buy 98% of my clothes in stores, but everything is fair game online for me!
LOVE this post particularly because I agree with almost every word you said! I won’t go into specifics but I seriously have had the same experiences as you at some of these places!
Xox Dana Ivy // http://www.iadorewhatilove.com
It took me about an hour to read this post with all of the fun shopping rabbit holes it made me go on! Chock full of great stuff! I love all of your faves. I also just got a super cute cover up from She In and it came pretty quickly and was better made than I thought it would be. I wore it on my impromptu beach weekend with my cousins and they were so jealous. But I can see how sometimes you don’t get what you pay for with ones like that.
Nordstrom is my favorite place to shop online due to the free shipping and returns! It makes all the diference knowing I can return it for free by mail if something doesn’t fit right.
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Haha so crazy ASOS takes so long for you. In the UK, it’s super fast, but the quality can be hit or miss. I absolutely love Amazon now!
I didn’t know that Shopbop linked with Amazon Prime! Well, over to the site I go!
I don’t think I’ve purchased anything that wasn’t from one of these sites in a long, long time! I think I could be fine with Amazon, Shopbop, and Target fo life! It’s so crazy to me how much time I used to spend at the mall, trying things on, returning them – whatever! I can’t even remember the last time I did that now!
Oh! Love this info.
This post has just made me want to start online shopping this morning haha I have new sandals being delivered from Zappos tomorrow!
Of course, yes to Amazon!! I’ve yet to buy any clothes off of there, but now I’m tempted. As long as I can get free returns, I’ll buy from anywhere ;)
Yes! I’ve found some great deals at 6pm, and Nordstrom, Amazon, and Shopbop are all favs of mine. I like Zappos a lot, but I don’t use them as often because I can normally find the same item somewhere else with a promo code for cheaper it seems like, although I did just order a pair of wedges from there. Oh how I love online shopping.
Ditto to everything you said about Zappos! You pay an arm and a leg for whatever you’re buying but the customer service is AMAZE aaaaaaaand I’ve ordered something at 3pm and it’s on my door the next morning and I didn’t pay for shipping. 6pm is owned by them (and they both were acquired by Amazon, actually.) I’ll never shop online at Target. No need when there are two stores within 3 miles of my house and I can go mid-day to avoid the masses on the weekend!
So many great shopping sites, lady- those are my faves, too! I really want Prime Now to come to KC- they’re building a huge warehouse just a little south of the city, so I’m hoping we get this feature sooon. :)
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Living in Seattle where Amazon is located has major benefits including same day shipping within a few hours. I need to try a few of these other shops like 6PM. Never shopped them before.
i hardly ever shop at forever 21 anymore. okay, i bought something the other week, but chances are, i will hate it and it will end up in the goodwill pile. i agree about amazon taking over the world lol. and i have shopped at sheinside plenty of times and overall, it’s not been a good experience. i have a post in the works but just gotta finish it.
I did not know that Shopbob was linked to Amazon! That’s awesome.
6pm is one of my favorite resources. If I know something will fit me, and it’s pricier I often wait for 6pm to have it. Returns are a pain there, though.
Loved this post!
Amazon is probably the site that gets most of my money! A few of these are new to me so I’ll have to check them out!
Amen to online shopping! A trip to the mall? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Lol. Heck, I took a trip into target last night and could barely stop to look at a couple tops without Rem climbing out of the cart and screaming like a banchee! I’ve never used Shopbob before but I’ve heard great things! Amazon is definitely taking over the world! It’s amazing!